Peter J. Murray, 81, of Visalia, CA. died Sunday, October 6, 2025. He was a resident of Walnut Park in Visalia. He was born on February 26, 1944, in Watertown, NY, the son of C. David and Harriet (Strough) Murray.
Following his graduation from Manatee Community College, Bradenton, FL, he enlisted in the Navy in 1966. He served on the USS Duncan from 1966 to 1967 and on the USS Constitution 1967 to 1970. Following his sea duty, he served as Radio Television News Broadcast Specialist, network news announcer, Tokyo 1973 to 1978, Taipei 1978 to 1979, Norfolk, VA, in 1979, Guantanamo, 1979 to 1986. He achieved the rank of Journalist Petty Officer First Class. He was discharged from the service in 1989. His Decorations/Citations/Ribbons included Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal. Marksman M16, .45 Pistol Marksman, .45 Pistol Security Qualified, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Naval Unit Commendation Overseas Service Ribbon, CHINFO Merit Award Honorable Mention, 1986 Special Achievement – Print Media.
In his retirement he became an avid follower of figure skating, and he developed and maintained “Blazing Blades” website where he chronicled the world-wide events, followed the careers of the major and minor skaters, and kept his viewers apprised of everything worth reporting in that realm.
He is survived by his first wife, Ann Marie Mitchel and their children Kari-Lin and Jay Erik, and his second wife, Yu Shih-Ling (Jennifer Yu). He was preceded by the death of his son Matthew issued in his second marriage. He also was preceded in death by two siblings, Connie Murray and Margo Bogart. He is survived by brothers David B. Murray and Stephen L., sister-in-law, Carolyn Strothers Murray, nieces Kendra Murray, Kathy Goodwin, and Christine Bessette, nephews John, and Kimball Murray and grandnephews Emmett Schrader and Patrick Bessett Ki and grandnieces Haley Schrader and Lara Bessette.
Peter very much enjoyed his naval career, his world travel, and his work as a journalist. His remains will be cremated and he will be buried at sea according to his wishes.
